Propiolic acid (β-naphthyl) methyl ester (PNE) was found to have a strong antifungal action, weak skin irritation and acute toxity in mammals. The results of therapeutic tests in guinea-pig revealed that a tincture and hydrophilic ointment containing 1-2% PNE had about 76-82% cure rate on experimental trichophytosis, and that those containing 10% salicylic acid besided 1% PNE, had about 90%. PNE was tested on general pharmacological actions in mice, rats, rabbits and guinea-pigs. The results were as follows : (1) PNE was found to have a temporary fall of blood pressure in rabbits. (2) PNE did not have remarkable effects on the isolated ileum of guinea-pigs, but it showed inhibitory effects on the contraction which was caused by acetylcholine, histamine and barium chloride. (3) PNE showed weak hemolysis effects on the erythrocyte of a rabbit.
